The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
American Public Media
Host Maggie Smith is your daily poetry companion. Poetry is one of the greatest tools we have to wield our own attention — to consider our own lives and the lives of others, to help us live creatively and compassionately, to use that attention to lean into wonder, and joy, and truth, and to find hope — to keep hoping. The Slowdown community knows that reflecting on a poem, every weekday, can connect us to our inner world and the world around us. Listen as you make your morning coffee, as you go on a walk in your neighborhood, as you pull away from the to-do list, as you resist the dismal, endless scroll to share five minutes of perspective through the lens of poetry, from poets old and new, well-loved and emerging onto the scene. Brought to you by American Public Media, in partnership with the Poetry Foundation.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 19, 2026 • 5min
1437: Now that we’ve been married all these years, by Keetje Kuipers
Explore the profound theme of life transitions as past experiences shape our present. The speaker reflects on the elusive nature of ‘before times’—memories of events like marriage and parenthood that create clear demarcations in life. Personal histories feel foggy, especially when it comes to past relationships. This insight sets the stage for a moving poem about the transformative power of long-term love and the difficulty of imagining life without a partner.
Jan 16, 2026 • 7min
1436: Vacation by Sara Moore Wagner
Dive into nostalgic beach trips as Maggie reflects on her family vacations to Myrtle Beach and Ocean City. She contrasts these memories with her children's experiences today. The featured poem captures the essence of seaside moments, exploring the deep connections between heritage, the ocean, and the vibrant energy of American beach culture. It's a celebration of the simple joys and complexities of family life, wrapped in the beauty of poetry.
Jan 15, 2026 • 6min
1435: ars poetica, 2019 by Airea D. Matthews
Dive into the world of poetry with Airea D. Matthews's captivating work, ars poetica, 2019. Explore the common hesitations people have towards poetry, and celebrate the connection that draws us all in. The host shares her passion and reassures listeners that it's okay to feel a bit lost in the verses. It's a heartfelt invitation to appreciate the beauty of poetic expression and a reminder of the impact it can have. Tune in for a daily dose of inspiration and a chance to engage with the art of words.
Jan 14, 2026 • 5min
1434: Waiting for the Call I Am by Wyatt Townley
Explore the emotional weight of waiting in everyday life, likening it to a state of purgatory. Delve into the discomfort of being in liminal spaces, where hope battles fear, and despair can creep in unexpectedly. Experience Wyatt Townley's poignant poem, which captures the anguish of waiting for a phone call. This reflection on the physical and mental toll of anticipation brings to light how deeply our emotions are intertwined with the act of waiting.
Jan 13, 2026 • 6min
1433: Given to Rust by Vievee Francis
Dive into the intimacy of sound and the impact of silence in relationships. A powerful poem serves as a reflection on the beauty of the human voice and the resonance of unspoken words. The discussion takes a poignant turn as memories of rain and listening evoke a deep sense of connection. Explore how silence can both isolate and unite us, highlighting the intricate dynamics of communication. This episode beautifully intertwines poetry and personal reflection, inviting listeners to contemplate the bigger picture of sound and silence.
Jan 12, 2026 • 6min
1432: The Good Guy by Blas Falconer
Explore the depths of human relationships in a poignant poem that emphasizes the patience and tenderness needed in marriage and parenting. Reflect on the complexities of love and the additional challenges children bring to relationships. Maggie shares insights on nurturing connections and the essential work involved in maintaining them. It's a heartfelt celebration of the power of poetry to reflect on life's intricate emotions.
Jan 9, 2026 • 7min
1431: Going Home by Joan Kwon Glass
Explore the surreal world of dreams where familiar faces and places twist into the uncanny. The poem unfolds with haunting imagery, like a father slicing a tomato and a child grappling with a sense of dislocation. Voices echo with longing, capturing the strange comfort of home even when it's not quite right. Symbols of childhood, such as a sister with paper wings, intensify the poem's dreamlike quality. This reflection on memory and identity leaves listeners contemplating their own dream narratives.
Jan 8, 2026 • 7min
1430: Earth Shovel by Dan Albergotti
Dive into a poignant reflection on our planet's fragility through Dan Albergotti's 'Earth Shovel.' The discussion revisits Voyager 1's view of Earth as a 'pale blue dot,' reminding us of our cosmic insignificance. Maggie shares observations of environmental decay, from pollution to construction noise, paralleling our reliance on fossil fuels with a fleeting chapter in history. With a mix of hope and uncertainty, a newborn's joy sparks questions about what the future holds for our fragile world.
Jan 7, 2026 • 6min
1429: Midlife Crisis by Jane Zwart
Dive into the intriguing reflections on aging and midlife surprises. The host shares a personal journey, revealing that she feels younger than ever, despite the challenges of maturity. Discover how perspectives shift in midlife, challenging childhood assumptions about aging. A powerful poem, 'Midlife Crisis' by Jane Zwart, resonates deeply, exploring the complexities and unexpected joys of this life stage. Enjoy a heartfelt conversation about the beauty of growing older and celebrating time.
Jan 6, 2026 • 7min
1428: In Defense of “Candelabra with Heads” by Nicole Sealey
This edition delves into the fascinating world of poetic revision. A reflection reveals how seeing a piece anew can invigorate creativity. The tension between perfecting a poem and maintaining its essence is explored, highlighting the delicate balance of revision. Nicole Sealey's ekphrastic poem sheds light on the poignant choices made during the creative process. The episode culminates in a reading that underscores the significance of reinstating a line that addresses historical violence, celebrating the power of words in the process.
